Sitting in his office chair, Psody was consulting the list of cultists identified by Walter Klingmann. By cross-checking the various information recovered thanks to the investigations of Kristofferson and Nedland, the captain had managed to identify around thirty individuals, men and women, young and old, whose activities were suspicious. Gatherings in remote places at late hours, entry of shady cargo into districts like the Mousetrap or the Other Strygos, some less cautious people had already been arrested for disturbing public order, notably a trio of lascars in full action of proselytizing, with signs indicating the coming end of the world. Yes, the members of the Purple Hand had decided to speed things up.
He delicately took the glass carafe placed on a small table, filled the goblet next to it, and silently drank a few sips of wine. His ears perked up when he heard knocks on the door.
- Come in.
He didn't need to look up to know who had just crossed the threshold. Indeed, the White Skaven could clearly smell the musk of anger emanating from his son. He placed the list on his desk, straightened his muzzle, and whispered:
- Good, glad to see Nedland was able to convince-reason you.
- Nedland didn't convince me, Marjan did.
- Anyway, I maintain-maintain: happy to see you again so soon.
- I would like it to be mutual, the brown Skaven spat in a brittle tone.
Faced with the lack of response, Kristofferson placed his hands flat on his father's desk, and leaned towards him.
- Why didn't you take us into your confidence?
- Romulus knew we were dealing with someone particularly devious. We had to involve as few people as possible. Any accomplice not only risked make the whole job fail, but could also become a potential target in turn!
- That's what Nedland told me, But Nedland is not my father, unlike you! So you didn't trust us? We are not just pawns on your chessboard! We are your children!
- Precisely, because you are my children, I did this to protect you! Leaders should send to their death volunteer soldiers, not their family members! The Twins understood this well, that's why they were willing to take all these risks, because in the event of failure, they would not have had parents to mourn-regret their loss!
- What about me? Do you think I wouldn't have shed any tear for them?
- No, sure, you would have. But can you imagine if you or one of your brothers-sisters had been a victim of the Purple Hand? How do you think your mother would have reacted?
- Yet, she knew!
- Of course-course! We had to avoid any way to shock her and put her and the child she's carrying in danger. She almost felt bad, on several occasions, particularly after the attack of the Demon in the greenhouse!
The brown Skaven slapped the wood with the flat of his hand.
- When I think about what we did following your "disappearance", I really feel disgusted! I had to remain fully in control of my emotions in front of the citizens, but I suffered like I had never suffered before. All this for what?
He grabbed the carafe and threw it with all his might against a wall. The container exploded into a thousand pieces. Psody did not lose his calm however. He waited patiently for half a minute, then as he saw that his son remained silent, he declared:
- Kit, don't think you're the only one who felt pain. Your brothers-sisters suffered too, your mother was worried to death, as well as Opa Ludwig and Romulus.
- Do you realize you're enumerating me everyone you've hurt?
- Except they understood! They accepted the fact that I did this for them! I too have had my own share of pain, I say. Your grandfather kept me informed of everything, every day, thanks to the carrier pigeon network of the Lorekeepers. I wasn't near you, but I imagined very well. I heard Isolde waking up at night, crying, and I couldn't console her. I felt Bianka's hurt who moved heaven and earth, to the point of demolishing her health, and I couldn't reassure her. And what can we say about everything that Gabriel has endured? Every trauma your brother experienced was like a nail hammered-buried into my heart, because I knew it was my fault; his doubts, his jealousy, and finally his fear, all because I didn't know how to talk to him as-when I should have. When I was alone, I thought of Sigmund, who had gone to war against the Bretonnians, risking paying with his life for Romulus's youthful mistakes! And your mother... She cried so much! Right, she knew I was alive-alive, her tears weren't due to sadness, but were due to fear! She was terrified to know I was among the Feral Skaven, who could have unmasked and eliminated me at any time! How many gallons of tears do you think she shed?
- I gave up counting them, but don't forget the reason was your petty mug's game!
At these words, the White Skaven felt anger explode. He decided it was time to put his son in his place. He got up and stood to his full height in front of Kristofferson.
- A "petty mug's game"? Do you think she suffered a thousand martyrs for a simple "petty mug's game"? The morning of the banquet day, I drank in front of her a vial of Mermaid milk, the medicine that would mix with Jabberwocky blood. From that moment on, she didn't stop being afraid for me until she threw herself into my arms, at the foot of the Brave Griffin! She was the one who suffered the most, because not only did she fear for our lives, but she also had to keep the secret from your brothers-sisters, and stay strong to avoid putting her child in danger-peril! This child, who is also mine, and of whom you will be the big brother! And you have the nerve to imagine I did this as a "petty mug's game", without thinking about the consequences? Luckily she can't hear you, otherwise it would break her heart!
- Maybe, but you have broken hearts, and that's a certainty! Kristofferson defended himself.
- What do you imagine? All this left me indifferent? Or I was having fun counting points? Do you think this was all just a funny-hilarious theatre play in which I was the stage director and you were the accessories? You're wrong! I took the hardest decision of my life, Kit!
Psody paused slightly to catch his breath. He shook his head, and squeaked:
- "Petty mug's game"… I too-too risked my life for this "petty mug's game". In the burrow of that little shit Karhi, I could have been spotted and killed, too, as a matter of fact! In their eyes, I was Jochen's slave, but any Skaven a few dumber than the others could have forgotten this detail and tried to tear my gizzards out for its pleasure!
- You would have reduced it to pieces with your magic.
- No doubt, but Karhi would have spotted me immediately, and things would have degenerated! I had to let it slide. I only wanted one thing, it was for everything to stop, and for me to come home, to reassure you, and make myself useful where it was really needed, but I had to follow the plan until the end. It was cruel, everyone suffered, and by force of circumstances, I managed to be absent for each of you at the worst time... but it worked!
His features relaxed. The anger that heated the White Skaven's brow diminished little by little, changing into weariness steeped in sorrow and regret.
- I wish I had had another less treacherous idea, especially after everything that happened. Believe me, if there hadn't been Palebough's accomplices to hunt-hound down, Romulus would have given himself up immediately, and we wouldn't have had to do all that. Not a minute went by without me regretting not being among you all. Opa Ludwig, Romulus, your mother and I spent the whole night thinking, seeing all the possibilities, the risks, and planning-anticipating, but we didn't find a more effective strategy. Vaucanson had to believe his plan had succeeded, otherwise he would have immediately sent his army to the Kingdom, and our troops would not have had the opportunity to confront him on the border, far from the most important cities of Vereinbarung. Of course, there weren't very many of them, but they would have done a lot more damage in the meantime we stopped them! And then there is the Purple Hand! They would have increased the assassination attempts against me, with more violent and relentless methods. And your mother, or your sisters, would undoubtedly have been their favourite victims, to weaken me!
Kristofferson lowered his head, his father's arguments convincing him little by little. As for the White Skaven, his rage had subsided, all that remained was a deep bitterness. He whispered in an almost pleading voice:
- Now you know all my death was a ruse, they will hear the news it in turn and react accordingly! We already know they're planning something terrible involving a "New World" and a lot of warpstone, no doubt they shall call an Archdemon. We have to get ahead of them, and that's why I need you more than ever to stop them! You have the right to be angry with me, but I want you to understand I did this for you, and your siblings, and your mother. And now, I am counting on you to help me uproot this Chaos seed which has just germinated, before it grows and rots the entire Kingdom! And I can swear to you, in the name of the Horned Rat and everything he represents to me, I am not lying to you! I say-think what I think-say!
Kristofferson held his father's gaze. His eyes were shining.
- I believe you. I smell it in your musk. I wonder if it's that easy for Humans? We have our nose, to uncover false emotions, it is a formidable tool.
- Oh, it's not always so clear-obvious, Kit. In the Under-Empire, there are some ratmen which are not so easily decoded; Clan Eshin assassins don't have musk glands, remember. And others know how to imitate emotions very well, right down to the smell! Grey Seer Vellux was not bad at this game. I was perhaps the only one to sense a lack of empathy-affection beneath his scents.
- In that case, I hope you're not like your father.
- I do everything not to look like him, Kit. I assure you that I will never take him as an example – at least, not as a good example. And so, when I say that you, Sigmund, Isolde, Gab, Bianka and your mother are the reasons that make me live, it is not a con.
Kristofferson's eye rested for a few seconds on the wine stain that stained the office wall. He made a disappointed face. Without daring to face the White Skaven, he whispered:
- I've behaved like a fool.
- And I lied, and I hurt you and the others.
- I present you my apologies.
- They are accepted! the White Skaven declared emphatically.
Psody took his son's hand and squeezed it between his eight fingers.
- Now, you and me, and the others, against this Chaos scum-vermin!
Kristofferson looked the master mage in the eyes, and replied in the same tone:
- Let's go cut off the Purple Hand!
A good night's sleep was beneficial for everyone. For the first time in weeks, the entire Steiner family – except for Sigmund, who was still on his way – was together for breakfast. Alas, Gabriel felt it well, even if the pressure on his heart had been relieved by several hundred pounds, everything was not over, and everyone was aware of it.
The Prince was the first to frankly confirm what everyone feared without daring to talk about it:
- My children, tonight, we will ferret out the Chaos viper in its hole, and we'll rid the Rat Kingdom of it forever.
The young inventor tensed up, a new crisis threatened to seize him.
- Dangerous? Is this... may be... this... danger?
- I would be lying if I said there was no risk, Gab. I don't know of any battle where no one on the field takes a risk. But we have a good chance of winning. Kristofferson, can you summarize our evening yesterday meeting?
- Of course I can, Opa. Gab, Isolde, we have developed a strategy that will give us the advantage over these fanatics. To begin with, Nedland, the Twins, Wally and I have established a secret way to weaken them as a preventative measure. Then we will be helped by the Sigmarites, the soldiers of the guard, and we can even count on the magic of Ghyran. There will be risks, we may face more powerful people than we anticipated, but I think the element of surprise will be the most important element. We shall strike quickly and hard, that should stop them from defending themselves. If everything goes as planned, we will quickly get the situation under control.
- There's something else you need to know, children, Steiner continued. Bretonnians and Feral Skaven were trained in combat. However, the people we shall arrest this evening are mostly men and women who do not know how to fight.
- Will you kill them all? little Isolde stammered.
- We will do everything to avoid that, my little heart. Besides, you must understand they all committed a very serious crime by associating themselves with a forbidden God. They will all be thrown into prison and tried, and Provost Tomas will condemn them with the greatest firmness. But I don't want to scare you unnecessarily. Kristofferson will leave to make final preparations. I still have to write orders for the guard. We'll see each other for supper.
Without a word, the brown Skaven left the table, followed by the patriarch. Gabriel painfully swallowed the last mouthful of bread he still had in his mouth. Heike put a comforting arm around his shoulders.
- Don't worry, my darling. Your brother is right. The worst is over. The Purple Hand can be very dangerous when it lurks in the shadows, but we will trick it, and it will end up like a chicken in a fox hole!
Isolde laughed out loud, she loved this kind of comparison. Then she resumed her serious expression when she turned to her father.
- Will you stay all dark all your life?
- No, darling, laughed the master mage. It's just dye. The hairs will fall out to be replaced by white hairs. You'll see, little by little, I will become brighter and brighter, and next spring, I'll be like before!
- What a shame you cut your horns off! the little ratgirl moaned again.
- I had to, so that I could disguise myself and mingle with the other Skaven.
- You were so proud of them! Bianka observed. This sacrifice must have been very hard!
The White Skaven winked and tapped his finger on his head.
- Don't worry, girlies. These are magic horns! Look, they've already started to grow back. In a few months, they will be just as beautiful, maybe even more!
He approached the blonde Skaven, and leaned forward. Bianka approached her hand, and passed a finger over the filed end of the protuberance, quickly imitated by the youngest.
- Yes… I feel the cut is no longer smooth.
- And…did it hurt you? asked Isolde shyly.
- I didn't feel anything, it's like when you file your claws. Romulus took care of it.
The high archivist felt her heart tighten at the sound of the prior's name. This reminded her of something she found very embarrassing. As if by chance, the door then opened to reveal the Human who was occupying her thoughts. He looked rather upset.
- Good morning, everybody!
- Good morning, Prior, the children and their mother replied.
- Good morning, my friend-friend. Do you have news?
- I have, Psody. I wanted to warn you: they arrived half an hour ago.
- Oh. Right, the White Skaven limply replied.
- I told him to wait for me at the agreed place.
- I finish and I come.
The master mage seemed to have received the prior's concern like a contagious disease. His eldest daughter didn't realize it, too absorbed within her unpleasant thoughts. She stammered to the Human:
- Prior… Romulus?
- Yes, my child?
- I wish I could tell you how confused I am. I told you things I really shouldn't have told the other day.
The prior gave a conciliatory smile.
- Don't think about it anymore, Bianka. What loving daughter wouldn't have had this reaction?
- I really thought for a moment that you could be a traitor... but when I think back about it, you tickled my nerves a little, just before your arrest, replied the young ratgirl with an ironic smile.
- That's true, but it was part of your grandfather's plan: to let our enemies believe we were losing trust in each other. He told me you had agreed to play a masquerade before the War Council, I did the same.
- How clever... Before entering the War Council room, I was sure I was leading the game with Opa, even though I was in the same boat as the real culprits.
- Don't feel like you're just the victim of a bad joke; Ludwig and I are sure there was at least one member of the Purple Hand at the table that day. Tonight we'll be able to unmask him and stop him once for all, and everyone else with him. But before that, we still have one more task to do, your father and I.
The Jade mage went to pick up his coat from an armchair. As he was about to walk through the door following the prior, Bianka asked:
- Where are you going?
Psody's face fell into a nervous frown.
- Do the hardest-rudest part.
- It's all over.
The sun grazed the horizon, and its orange rays warmed Sigmund's black fur. The light gave an unreal illumination to the decorated stones and erected here and there statues. Kneeling before his father's grave, the Black Skaven knew that he had only a few minutes left to enjoy it, before the ordinary light of the day.
- Horace de Vaucanson passed from life to death. It was Blokfiste who mortally wounded him, just before I slayed him. The Bretonnians left the Rat Kingdom. Vaucanson's forces and ours were able to defeat Karhi and Lennart Fireblood.
The young ratman felt a few tears moisten the hairs on his cheekbones.
- Karhi's Feral Skaven have created many orphans. It won't be easy for them, but Shallya will give them the strength to live.
After walking tirelessly for almost two days, the convoy finally arrived in Steinerburg with the first light of dawn. They had gone to the Shallya temple, where Sister Judy, who had arrived the day before thanks to the Brave Griffin, had welcomed them. She had a hard time understanding the joke when Sigmund told her that her nasal medication had been "particularly helpful".
- Romulus was able to return. I hope peace will return too...
At the temple, Sigmund was also pleased to find Prior Romulus. The latter had given him access to his cell so that he could stay alone for a few minutes and ablution himself thoroughly. Then what…
- He asked me to come and pray for you, with him. I can talk to you a little one-on-one before he arrives.
It was then that a slight sound of footsteps on the stony ground of the path attracted his attention. Out of the corner of his eye he recognized Prior Romulus's white-clothed figure. The servant of Shallya camped next to the Black Skaven, and placed a caring hand on his shoulder.
- Your father is really proud of you, my little one. You behaved like a hero.
- Has it any importance?
- The image he has of you, and that you have of yourself. Since the day he disappeared, I have the impression you feel responsible for something. You have no guilt to feel. You have not failed in any duty, Sigmund.
- I tried to save Vaucanson, and I couldn't, Prior
- You were not the one who took his life, this Feral Skaven was. You acted in a truly chivalrous manner. Like a true hero.
- Hum…
The tall Black Skaven stood up calmly.
- I have not found my sister yet, nor Mother, nor the others. I'm going to, I really want to hug them all!
- They too, after all these emotions, you can be sure of. But… before…
A violent draft blew into the ear of the Black Skaven, who immediately heard the crack in the prior's voice.
- Is there anything more important than joining my family?
- No, my child. Well… Yes. Rather… How to say…
- What?
Sigmund's voice was cracking in turn. His impatience showed in the eyes of the prior, who cleared his throat.
- I have a secret to tell you. I would like to warn you, it's difficult to hear.
The young Black Skaven stopped hiding his feelings.
- That's the last straw, Prior! What are you talking about?
Romulus just nodded towards the entrance to the cemetery. Sigmund turned in that direction, and saw a small silhouette he recognized immediately. His heart stopped abruptly. Even with his makeup and without his horns, there was no doubt about his identity. When the master mage was only a few steps away from him, he heard himself stammering:
- You… you…
- Sigmund, I'm sorry.
- You're not… in this tomb?
- No, but I made people believe it.
- It was necessary for our plan, my little one, added Romulus. Your father was thus able to infiltrate Karhi's fortress. And now we know where the people who plotted against us are.
- Your actions against the Bretonnians and the Feral Skaven were decisive for the defence-safeguarding of the Rat Kingdom, Siggy. You acted with nobility-heroism.
But Sigmund no longer heard his father's compliments. His brain instantly went into overdrive. Psody gritted his teeth in apprehension as he saw the Black Skaven's expression change from supreme astonishment to terrible fury. His breathing became more and more raspy. He turned towards the heavy marble slab, leaned against it with his arms outstretched, and pushed and pushed, emitting grunts. The stone moved slowly but surely with a loud scraping sound, then toppled to the side with a loud crash. Sigmund jumped into the pit, swept away the earth that covered the coffin in a few armfuls, quickly tore off the locks that held the box closed, and removed the lid with a sharp jerk. Then he cried out in rage when he saw what lay at the bottom of the ornate box.
A canvas and pieces of wood roughly the size of the White Skaven dovetailing was wedged into the padded interior. The craftsman had even added a calabash by way of head, on which the two sawn horns of the master mage were glued. Even more ironic, two large pink eyes over a large oval muzzle, a mouth with a big smile stretching out at its corners, and two prominent incisors, had been painted on the gourd. To weigh down the coffin and give it a credible weight, a bag of sand was placed under this life-size doll.
Sigmund grabbed the puppet by its neck and pulled it out of the coffin. Once again, images of everything he had felt between the moment he saw the White Skaven collapse on the carpet and the present moment rushed violently through his mind, and all the emotions came flooding back like boiling water overflowing from a saucepan. With his free hand he wiped away a tear that had remained in the hairs of his fur, stared at it, haggard, and squished it between his thumb and forefinger.
- A puppet… All that for a fucking puppet!
He seized the puppet by its horns and tore its head off. The calabash remained in his right hand, and found itself reduced to mush between his fingers.
The prior and the master mage didn't react. The first was too stunned by such a demonstration of force. The second knew he had no non-violent way to calm the Black Skaven. The latter felt anger making him lose his self-control.
- Liars! LIARS!
Sigmund threw the puppet's body towards the priest, who narrowly avoided it by throwing himself aside. The Black Skaven extricated himself from the grave, and stood looking at them, his arms dangling, saliva foaming at his lips.
Neither the priest nor the magician dared to bat an eyelash. Finally, the White Skaven whispered:
- I'm sorry-sorry. I… how can I make amend?
Sigmund felt his tail nervously lash as he heard this words. He gazed his father straight in his eyes and articulated:
- Answer "yes" to my question.
The White Skaven's heart sank.
- Oh, no, please! Don't bring this up again!
- Just answer "yes"! "Yes"! That's all I'm asking!
- Sigmund, listen…
- No! I've listened to you enough! Now it's your turn! I did all this for him, too. I fought for him! And if I let you convince me, Prior, it was by thinking of him!
Sigmund's voice cracked with despair, and tears welled up in his eyes.
- How many times will I have to ask? How many times will I have to prove myself? I've changed! I "acted in a truly chivalrous manner" and "like a true hero"! You're "proud of me"! So that's not enough? I have risked my life dozens of times to allow hundreds of people to experience happiness, and I don't have the right to have my own share? Some covet entire kingdoms, others neglect or mistreat their own children instead of loving them! For me, it's different! All I want is to be able to give meaning to my life by taking care of his! Damn, are you finally going to give it to me, yes or no?!
- I can't, Sigmund!
The Black Skaven approached with heavy steps, his face contorted with burning anger.
- Of course you can! Answer "yes" to my question!
- You are not capable of assuming such responsibility!
- You mean you don't believe I'm capable of it! You think I won't do like you! Well, you're right! Let Shallya and Verena be my witnesses! I would die for this kid, without hesitation, instead of being deceitful, and manipulating him with such monstrous lies! So, if you really want to make amend with me, grant me my dearest wish! Give me your blessing to adopt Gottfried!
Once again, Sigmund had shouted. A storm of emotions, each more violent than the last, electrified his entire body. Psody felt cornered. The more Sigmund vociferated, the more determined he seemed. Furthermore, each of his arguments seemed more justified to him than the previous one. Finally, he resolved to throw out his most forceful reason. The one that would hurt the most. He took a breath, and declared without pausing:
- It's much too late. Gottfried is too old to change family now. It would only create problems for everyone. You're hurting yourself for nothing, Sigmund. You know it, deep down. It's over, you need to stop thinking about it! You have to accept the fact it was a madness-fad that was not feasible!
As he heard his father's voice, the Black Skaven found his words more and more sensible. And yet, something deep inside him refused this reality. He was deafened by the sound of blood pounding in his temples. Psody sneezed as he felt musk of intense rage scratch his nostrils, and shuddered as she saw his son's hands clench, tightening until they burst.
- You let things drag on.
- Siggy…
- You did everything so that this could never happen! From the start, you were determined not to change your mind! This Humans family was not "temporary"! You lied to me!
- I did this to buy time! I thought you weren't ready for this! And I haven't stopped telling you! I was hoping you'd forget this madness once and for all, and move on! If only you weren't so obstinate, you would have accepted reality a long time ago, and you wouldn't have been worried about it! But you are definitely too stubborn! Too bad for you, now you'll have to face the consequences!
- Face… the… consequences?
Sigmund's fur bristled, foam rose to his lips, his lips curled, and his eyes sparkled with a very disturbing brilliance. Psody immediately recognized Black Hunger symptoms, and felt his blood run cold. The Black Skaven then noticed the tombstone which simply read:
PROSPERO STEINER
Beloved and loving father
He leapt towards the stele, dug his claws into the marble, and with a terrifying roar, ripped it from the ground with irresistible force. He raised it above his head, at arm's length, then threw it into the hole. The coffin burst, sending a multitude of wooden splinters flying, and the marble stone shattered. The Black Skaven threw back his head, and uttered a long cry, in which all his rage and all his sorrow shot towards the heavens.
No one moved or uttered a word. The White Skaven felt his heart racing. For the first time in his life, his own beloved son truly scared him. He had never seen Sigmund in such a state. He felt that the slightest gesture, the slightest sound, could unleash a storm. Black Hunger could reach terrifying proportions, he knew that. Romulus remained motionless.
Sigmund took a step towards the master mage, then a second. Psody was literally petrified, unable to move a single finger. He felt his son's harsh, hot breath on the hairs of his face. The Black Skaven's hand rose slowly, approaching the White Skaven's neck...
The prior leapt forward and threw himself at the Black Skaven.
- My child! I beseech you, by...
The captain pushed him away with a backhand slap to the chin. Romulus rolled in the dust, his mouth bloody. Sigmund turned back to Psody, and placed his fingers around his throat. The White Skaven stared at him. His eyes were pleading, clouded with tears of sorrow, terrified by the madness crackling in his son's eye sockets. The contact of the young Black ratman's knuckles became firmer…
Suddenly the pressure stopped. Sigmund hurriedly withdrew his hand. He looked in horror at his fingers, which were clenched to the point of cramping. He backed away, tripped over a tombstone, and fell on his rear. He clutched his head with both hands and screamed again, but this time out of indescribable fear. He curled up, and burst into loud sobs.
Psody shook his head. Taken with compassion, he wanted to hug the Black Skaven in his arms. As he advanced towards him step by step, he murmured, with a lump in his throat:
- My little boy… it's nothing-nothing, huh? It doesn't matter. Let's go home-home.
And he reached out his hand and placed it on his son's shoulder. But the latter jerked his arm away, with a furious yelp. Sigmund stood up to his full height, and shouted again at Psody in the voice of a tormented soul:
- Your Horned Rat must be really proud of you, Grey Seer! I HATE YOU!
Then he ran towards the exit of the cemetery as quickly as he could. Distraught, the White Skaven stretched out his hand towards him.
- Wait!
Obviously, this had no effect. The White Skaven sighed in despair. Calm him down wouldn't probable be an easy task.
- Psody…
The master mage started. He had completely forgotten the prior.
- My friend! How are you?
Psody helped the prior to his feet. The Human's lips were bleeding.
- I'll get over it, a poultice will fix it in a second.
Suddenly, a terrifying idea crossed his brain.
- By Shallya's Tears… Misery!
- What?
The priest grabbed the master mage by his shoulders.
- We must quickly send someone to Sondernach!
- What are you… oh! By the Horned Rat!
- Jochen will be the only one who can reason with him if he tries to do something stupid! Whether by word… or by force!
- Let's ask Kit instead!
- No. Kit won't be able to physically restrain him if he has to. In addition, we need him for the rest of the cleaning. There's no time to waste!
And the two friends promptly left the cemetery.